Chris Ling, 34, was at work in Great Ryburgh when he was alerted to the large-scale blaze at the Original Factory Shop in Fakenham on Sunday.

When he arrived in the Market Place, he watched in horror as the fire tore through the 1900s building and then through the vacant former Currys shop and the flats above, including his rented property where he had lived for a year.

Mr Ling, who has been staying at the care home where he works since Sunday’s fire, said: “I’ve lost my life, I’ve lost everything.

“I’ve lost a picture of my dad who died five years ago, my music collection, DVDs, clothes, everything.

“I feel awful, just devastated.

“It was a nice little flat and now everything has gone and I’ve got to start afresh.”

A spokesman for North Norfolk District Council, which is responsible for finding appropriate accommodation for people who are in urgent need, said they had found shelter for two of the households who lost their homes in Sunday’s fire, is assisting with another household and is in contact with the other three to make sure they are safe and well.

He said that those who were evacuated from Red Lion Court have been able to return to their homes.